Apple recalls some iPhone 5 models for battery problems

. . . Apple has opened up an iPhone 5 battery replacement program after discovering that a “very small percentage” of units “may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently.” The iPhone 5 was originally launched in September 2012, and Apple says that the affected units were sold between that month and January 2013. . . .

Go to this Apple support page and enter your iPhone’s serial number, which you can find in Settings > General > About. If your phone is one of those with a bad battery, you’ll be able to take it to an Apple Store or an authorized reseller for a replacement battery.

My phone isn’t eligible for a replacement, but then, I’ve not had any battery issues. My wife, however, has experienced spontaneous shutdowns that appear to be battery-related. Sure enough, her phone was in listed in the database.

She bought hers at a Radio Shack, which is an authorized reseller. She called the nearest store to see if they had iPhone 5 stock available for the swap, and sale person who answered had not yet heard of the recall. We’ll be heading to an Apple Store instead.

That’s not the only recall program for the iPhone 5. Having issues with the power/sleep button? Here you go.

My wife turned in her phone, then left to do some shopping. When she returned and checked in, she wound up waiting for almost another hour. I finally flagged down someone and complained. They brought her the phone right away and apologized.